When to replate
 

What is the best time to replate orchid seedlings? I have flasks of Phalaenopsis manii that were sown about a month ago and now have protocorms about 1-2mm in diameter with lots absorbing hairs on most of them.

Did you end up replating? I'm not exactly sure but I think replating some time between one/two months from sowing date is a good idea. The number of protocorms per jar (ie., how densely they were sown) is a large factor, though. Can we please have a picture? Just for fun because I'm curious to see the seedlings. :D

I haven't yet, but I just got the medium yesterday so I will probably do it soon.

They were sown pretty tightly in some jars, not as much in others.

I will try to get pictures tomorrow, but it is hard to get a good view because of the jars I used.

Watching. Looking forward to the pics.

very exciting!

ok, here are some pictures!

wow, that is really cool!!!! I think maybe you should wait a little longer until some start to grow primordial leaves/roots because then you can focus on the stronger ones (since when you replate you'll mainly be selecting the larger ones and spacing them out more). but of course, with the slightly crowded conditions, it might take a bit longer before they start differentiating a bit more. :)

yeah, that is what I was thinking as well. Also, the medium I chose is specifically designed to allow a little more leeway on late replating, which should help too.

Thanks for the help!

Thank you for the pictures. :D:bowing




Susan

I'm curious what has happened since the last update!

They are doing pretty well! I will try to get some photos soon. There are now some roots on the larger seedlings, I still have a whole bunch in the original flasks that need to be moved out though, those are all much smaller. The only issue I have had is a few flasks got contaminated and there are some seedlings with yellowing leaves (not sure why this is).

Awesome! Are your jars vented? Pics!

They are not vented unfortunately, I couldn't get my hands on any microfilters that would work. I will upload pics later today.

Right on. In the future, if you can’t get actual filters you can drill a 1/4” hole and pull tightly packed polyfill through. It makes a great filter. Other option would be synthetic filter disk glued with rtv which lasts many sterilization cycles. Both options should allow for ample gas exchange while preventing contams. At least they do in fungi culture.

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachmen...122813_HDR.jpg
here is a (unfortunately low quality) pic of one of the flasks, its hard to get good photos because of the thick glass.

Nice; those look great!

How do you sterilize the polyfill? I'm guessing it can't just go in the pressure cooker with the jars and lids.

Yep...it just needs changed out more often.

Cool, and just checking before I go and buy some for next time, this is the polyester fluff that people use to stuff pillows and things, right? Robot Check

That’s the stuff!

Also, what media are you using?

Great, thanks for the advice!
I used p669 for the mother flasks and 80% O156 for the replate, both from OSP on ebay.

You bet! Sweet...I was looking at that as well as Hill’s. Looks to be working well for you.

Yeah it worked great! I also picked up some Malmgren's as well for messing around with some terrestrial species I have growing in my yard.

Waaaay outside my ballpark... but you GO Afid!

They look awesome!!

I feel like there are more and more people getting into flasking these days! Which is exciting for the future of orchids, especially for species that are endangered or extinct in the wild!

People can learn the skills on their own, but it's much faster and better to have somebody show you in person. Sterile technique is a complex system of awareness and action. A local community college probably offers a microbiology class with a laboratory session.

Simple microporous tape works wonders! The 3M thing is cheap and readily available.
Drill a hole, tape, sterilise, done.

I’ve used 3M micropore tape in the past but wouldn’t recommend it. If you’re gonna use it it needs to be applied with several layers and replaced with each cycle...honestly it just isn’t that great of a filter. Under a microscope, the spaces between the fibers are massive compared to fungal spores. I know a lot of folks that use a piece of tyvek with mp tape over the top with great success.

Thanks for all the help everyone! I think my second attempt will go much better!

---------- Post added at 05:24 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:41 PM ----------

This sounds like an interesting solution, I might try that, since I'm doing small batches it doesn't matter too much if I have to replace the filters a lot.

I've never thought of looking under a microscope, that's actually super smart.
Now I can't help but be paranoid, I'll try your solutions.
Thanks for the heads up!

Ha...smarter people than I passed it along! These aren’t my pics and not sure how well they’ll come out on here but these are P cubensis spores on MP tape at 100x and 400x.

Attachment 147289Attachment 147290

Silly question... do you have to vent the jars? Is it possible to grow them all the way to the deflasking stage without venting the jars?

Opinions seem to vary. Sounds like it might be beneficial for replates and when the plants start maturing and/or if they’re not thinned out. Here’s an interesting note from the orchid seedbank project website regarding ethylene buildup, though it seems to just be speculation.

venting

They need to exchange carbon dioxide and oxygen. Yes, you need the vents.